Baby boys born today in parts of Merseyside will die younger than the average North Korean, according to a new analysis.

A detailed breakdown of life expectancy figures also found a stark North-South divide in England, with boys born in the wealthiest areas of Central London likely to live 30 years longer than some of those born in disadvantaged areas of Merseyside.

In Knightsbridge, home of Harrods and the Royal Albert Hall, baby boys born in the past few years will live to 97 on average, while in the Tranmere area of the Wirral they will fail even to make